What is a biosafety level (BSL)?

A biosafety level (BSL) refers specifically to a set of biocontainment precautions that are established for laboratories working with biological agents. These levels are designed to protect laboratory personnel, the surrounding environment, and the general public from exposure to potentially infectious microorganisms or hazardous biological materials. Each BSL has distinct requirements regarding practices, safety equipment, and laboratory design to ensure safe handling of biological agents, ranging from BSL-1, which involves the lowest risk organisms, to BSL-4, which pertains to the highest risk pathogens.

This classification of biocontainment measures is crucial in guiding how laboratories operate safely when dealing with various levels of biological risk. It helps define the necessary procedures and equipment needed to prevent accidental exposure or release of hazardous biological agents into the environment or community.